Roger Federer congratulates Coco Gauff on maiden US Open win: You shine brighter than ever

Legendary tennis player Roger Federer congratulated Coco Gauff on her maiden Grand Slam title on Sunday, 10 September. Coco Gauff, the 19-year-old tennis sensation from Florida, made history by becoming the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999. On September 9, 2023, Gauff clinched her maiden major title at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Federer took to Twitter to express his joy and called her inspirational.

"Inspirational win Coco Gauff. Been watching your tennis and following you for years. It’s great to see so much hard work and passion being rewarded.
You shine brighter than ever," Federer said on Twitter.

Gauff's journey to this monumental victory was not without its challenges. She had to rally from a set down to defeat Aryna Sabalenka, demonstrating her resilience and determination. Gauff defeated Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday, 9 September.

Born on March 13, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, Gauff began playing tennis at the tender age of six. Her parents, Corey and Candi Gauff, both with NCAA Division I collegiate backgrounds in basketball and track and field, have been instrumental in her tennis career. Gauff credits them as the reason she plays tennis, and they have given up their careers to focus on training their daughter.

Gauff's rise to fame has been meteoric. She made her debut on the ITF Women's Circuit at the age of 14 and quickly climbed the ranks, winning her first WTA Tour singles title at the 2019 Linz Open at just 15 years old. Her performance at the 2023 U.S. Open has solidified her status as one of the most promising young talents in the sport.

The influence of Serena and Venus Williams on Gauff's career is undeniable. After her U.S. Open victory, Gauff hailed the Williams sisters for their impact on her career, stating that they were the reason she picked up a tennis racquet. This admiration is mutual, as Serena Williams has previously expressed her belief in Gauff's potential to become the best in the world.

Gauff's U.S. Open win is not just a personal achievement; it also signifies a changing of the guard in American tennis. If last year's tournament was about bidding farewell to Serena Williams, this year's event heralded the arrival of a new generation of talent. As we look forward to the future of tennis, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Coco Gauff, eagerly anticipating where her journey will take her next.